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Caleb Ingram, a graduating senior at Richmond Hill High School, has been named a semifinalist in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The approximately 550 semifinalists were selected from more than 3,300 candidates nationwide on the basis of achievements, leadership qualities, character and involvement in the community and school activities.

Ingram is one of 18 semifinalists in Georgia and the only semifinalist in the Savannah area. Scholars will be announced in May.

The semifinalists were chosen by a panel of educators after a review of students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activates, school recommendations and school transcripts.

Application to the program is by invitation only. Students are asked to apply based on SAT or ACT scores, nomination by a chief state school officer, the year of graduation from high school and whether they are U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents. Scholars will be invited to Washington, D.C., in June to receive a medallion at a ceremony and to participate in various activities and events held in their